Georgia is on the verge of legalizing sports betting as the Senate approved a bill, paving the way for a referendum on the matter. Senator Bill Cowsert, who previously attempted unsuccessfully to legalize betting in 2023, initiated the bill, which is now likely to be passed.
Resolution No. 579 secured a vote of 41 to 12. To proceed to a public vote in the state, the approval of two-thirds of the Senate members was necessary. In February, Senator Clint Dixon's House Bill 386 also passed by a vote of 35 to 15, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for betting in Georgia.
Cowsert's proposal outlines that 80% of the betting tax revenue would contribute to the education fund of the state's lottery. Additionally, 15% will be allocated for researching the negative impacts of gambling and public education on the subject, while the remaining 5% will go to the Georgia Sports Development Fund.
